Choosing a Self Hosting Plan

So you have decided to host your own WordPress site. That’s great! There are many advantages to hosting your own site rather than hosting it on WordPress.com. Now you are ready to take the next step and pick a hosting provider, where to start?

There are lots and lots of plans out there for all kinds of websites. If you just need something quick and easy here are six hosting companies I have worked with in the past. These are not ranked in any order. If you do not see one listed here that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good hosting service, I just had to limit my list. 🙂

1. GoDaddy
2. WP Engine
3. Bluehost
4. HostGator
5. Dreamhost
6. SiteGround

First, How Much?

Why Choose a Self Hosted Plan?

There are three options when it comes to WordPress hosting.

1. Use WordPress.com for the basics and pay nothing (minimum fees for features like removing ads)
2. Use WordPress.com paid site and pay a fee for hosting and fees for features
3. Self host and pay a monthly cost and have access to all WordPress features for no additional cost

Cost will be the biggest factor for many people. If you just want something up quick and easy with no time involved then a WordPress.com website is your best bet. If you want to spend a bit more time and have a website that will last you for a long time then a hosted plan is your best plan.

I call this “self hosted” because all WordPress sites are hosted. Some are hosted by a company YOU choose and some are hosted with WordPress. See? Simple.

Ok, I’ve Picked a Company, Now What?

Great! Most WordPress hosting companies will install WordPress for you. All you have to do is enter in a few details and BAM! you have a fully functional WordPress site. If you already know how to set up your freshly installed WordPress site then have at it, if not then here is a quick set up list to get you started.